NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) announced the launch of Ortho@Home, a teledentistry and at-home orthodontia program. The services is part of Empire’s continuing commitment to providing access to affordable services that meet a person’s whole health needs, while also providing safe, remote-care during this pandemic.
Available to Empire Dental’s Prime and Complete networks, the service integrates seamlessly with orthodontic network provider options and includes discounts of up to $200 off retail pricing.
Empire is one of the first payors to announce network coverage of at-home orthodontia solutions overseen remotely by licensed dentists. Consumers with orthodontic benefits will have access to at-home clear aligner therapy, remote oversight of care, teeth whitening, and retainers at completion of treatment with an average cost up to 60 percent less than traditional orthodontia and three times faster. This offering helps improve member access to orthodontic care – especially in rural areas where over half of the counties in the United States do not have access to orthodontists’ offices.
“Empire is committed to providing our consumers with more convenient and affordable care options,” said Scott Towers, President, Dental and Vision Business at Empire. “By improving consumer access to quality dental care while meeting the growing demand for remote services, Ortho@Home makes access more convenient, decreases healthcare costs, and also reduces the need for face-to-face interactions, which is especially important during the current pandemic.”
This new, lower-cost option for orthodontia adds convenience, creating more accessibility for Empire members to get orthodontic care. In most cases, members will pay less than $1,000 out of pocket after the orthodontic benefit is applied. Members may also use spending accounts including FSA, HSA, and HRAs.
About Empire BlueCross BlueShield in New York
Serving New Yorkers for 80 years, Empire BlueCross BlueShield is the largest health insurer in New York supporting more than four million members and more than 38,000 business, union and small employers in New York. Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at @empirebcbs.